| Saw Palmetto
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| Common Names: Sabal Saw palmetto is a small palm tree that grows in coastal areas of the American southeast, parts of Africa, and southern Europe. It has white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer and produces clusters of olive-sized fruits that turn dark blue when ripe. Once dried the fruits is used medicinally. |
In many western countries, saw palmetto is employed to treat the symptoms
of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) -- a non-cancerous enlargement
of the prostate gland. While unpleasant, BPH is a common ailement affecting
the prostate of many aging men. BPH may exibit a number of symptoms
including trouble starting or maintaining urination, need to urinate
more often, have urine leaks, or need to urinate during the night.
Saw palmetto contains a number of compounds, including plant sterols
and fatty acids. Many studies have been carried out to test the effectiveness
of saw palmetto for treating BPH. Results have been positive however
most studies were not well-controlled and all did not contain a statistically
significant number of participants. Consquently, saw palmetto supplementation
may provide different results for different individuals. It also important
to know that while saw palmetto may to help relieve the symptoms of
BPH it did not reduce the actual size of the prostate.
Some herbalists also propose that saw palmetto may also exhibit anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, diuretic, and sedative properties. Other reports, while
unconfirmed, indicate that saw palmetto may also be somewhat effective
in stimulating hair growth.
Due to the hormone activity of saw palmetto, women have use saw palmetto
to increase breast size. However, there is no clinical evidence to support
its effectiveness for this use.
Dosage and Administration
Saw palmetto supplements are available as capsules, tables and can also
be purchased in liquid form. Oral saw palmetto products should be standardized
to contain 80% or more of the active ingredients, which are fatty acids.
Standardization by the manufacturer assures the same amount of active
ingredient in every batch of the commercial preparation.
Many times it can require up to a month and a half of saw palmetto dosages
before any noticable effect occurs. Usual doses of a standardized saw
palmetto product range from 320mg to 1800mg daily.
Products that combine saw palmetto with other herbs is quite common.
However, the FDA has warned against the use of some combination products,
because they can cause internal bleeding. You should consult with a
doctor before using any saw palmetto product.